Q&A: How Social Security survivor benefits work

Dear Liz: Will my wife, after I’m gone, be able to claim one half of my Social Security benefits because she is the surviving spouse? I am concerned and confused, because her monthly Social Security benefit is much larger than mine. Does that affect this aspect of the available benefit? Answer: If by “gone” you […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Seeking smart, funny – and a credit score above 700. Also in the news: Wellness travel helps you tune up or tune out, what you need to know about investing in IPOs, and a major tax mistake to avoid if you have student loans. Seeking Smart, Funny — and a Credit Score […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Bucking tradition at your wedding can help you save money. Also in the news: How schools can teach kids to be smart consumers, what to buy (and skip) in April, and how to save for retirement without a 401(k). Engaged? Bucking Tradition Can Help You Save Big Thinking outside the box. How […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Love that home’s view? See how much more you’ll pay. Also in the news: 3 months, 3 housing trends, how one woman ditched her debt, and how to get rid of bad marks on your credit report. Love That Home’s View? See How Much More You’ll Pay Comes at a cost. 3 […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How your money story can help you break free. Also in the news: Why you should freeze your child’s credit, 4 things that could make you a target for a tax audit, and what happens if you don’t pay a debt. How Your Money Story Can Help You Break Free Going way […]

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How schools can teach kids to be smart consumers

Most financial literacy efforts in schools don’t improve people’s behavior later in life. That could be because we’re focusing on the wrong things. Trying to teach teenagers how to shop for a mortgage, for example, may be an exercise in futility. The information simply isn’t relevant to them — yet. By the time they are […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to help your partner’s credit without harming your own. Also in the news: Why Millennials can count on Social Security after all, 3 smart ways to supercharge your travel rewards, and the worst financial mistake a grandparent can make. Help Your Partner’s Credit — Without Harming Your Own Start by talking […]

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Q&A: Procrastination can mean estate-planning disaster

Dear Liz: My husband and I own all our assets as joint tenants. Because we have no children, we did not want to rush into making a will. But for the past few years, my husband’s older sister has been pressuring him to write a will benefiting her 60-year-old daughter. His sister has gone so […]

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Q&A: You need a planner for personalized advice

Dear Liz: I have five questions. I have enclosed five sheets of paper with each question printed at the top. Please feel free to simply write your advice on each page, and then insert them into the addressed and stamped envelope I have enclosed. This is my attempt to make it easy for you to […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Latino Credit Unions: Why They Matter, Where to Find One. Also in the news: When an airport lounge day pass is worth the splurge, helping your parents based on need instead of guilt, and why your money advisor should be a Fiduciary. Latino Credit Unions: Why They Matter, Where to Find One […]

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